White-spotted assassin bug (Platymeris biguttatus)
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Other invertebrate

White-spotted assassin bug care guide

Platymeris biguttatus

Intermediate

The white-spotted assassin bug is a intermediate-level other invertebrate from West and Central Africa. Adults reach Body 3.5–4 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Communal if well fed; give bark for climbing and moulting.

  • Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
  • Temp 24–30°C
  • Humidity 50–70%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a white-spotted assassin bug cost in Canada?

Animal$20–50Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$150–280Enclosure $30–60 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $60
Yearly upkeep$20–40Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$190–370All prices CAD, estimates

White-spotted assassin bug quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
Body 3.5–4 cm
Lifespan
1–2 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
West and Central Africa
Minimum enclosure
30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
Housing
Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Carnivore – crickets, roaches
Bioactive style
Tropical invertebrate

White-spotted assassin bug enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical invertebrate bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix5 cm

Keep the soil evenly moist and dig-friendly; a cork slab pressed onto the soil gives a ready-made scrape.

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a white-spotted assassin bug eat?

Carnivore – crickets, roaches. Feed live insects 1–2 times weekly.

Handling, temperament & health

Do not handle; the bite is very painful and they can spit saliva.

Health watch: Moult failures if humidity is too low.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove leftovers.
  • Mist one side and keep the water dish full.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top soil if it compacts.

Recommended for a white-spotted assassin bug bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).

Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix Bioactive soil layer, 5 cm Qty: 2 × 3Lfrom $15.99 Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 1 pack$12.99 Dry Sphagnum Moss 100g Pack Dry Sphagnum Moss 100g Pack Sphagnum (humid corner) Qty: 1$17.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats Flat bark to shelter and burrow under Qty: 2 × Smallfrom $7.99

White-spotted assassin bug FAQ

Is the white-spotted assassin bug good for beginners?

The white-spotted assassin bug is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Do not handle; the bite is very painful and they can spit saliva.

What size enclosure does a white-spotted assassin bug need?

At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a white-spotted assassin bug cost in Canada?

Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $150–280 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a white-spotted assassin bug need?

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a white-spotted assassin bug eat?

Carnivore – crickets, roaches. Feed live insects 1–2 times weekly.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.